(official Music Video) - Onerepublic - Counting Stars

It was the first video by a band to reach 1 billion views (achieved on November 2, 2015) and currently has over 4.2 billion views , ranking it among the top 20 most-viewed videos on the platform.

It became the band's most successful hit, reaching #1 in several countries, including the UK and Canada, and #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The lyrics contrast the literal stress of "counting dollars" to pay bills with the figurative "counting stars," which represents dreaming, hope, and finding meaning beyond material wealth. OneRepublic - Counting Stars (Official Music Video)

The video uses a mix of warm, glowing light bulbs and dark, moody basement scenery, contrasting with the bright, energetic religious service upstairs. Narrative & Symbolism

Lead singer has explained that the song was born from the stress of financial instability in his 20s. It was the first video by a band

Directed by British filmmaker James Lees , known for his work with Bloc Party and Two Door Cinema Club.

The video features two simultaneous timelines occurring in the same building: The video uses a mix of warm, glowing

An alligator prowls through the basement where the band is playing. Interpretations suggest it represents the inherent danger and predatory nature of a world focused on "counting dollars".